Armed Forces Week - 19th – 24th June 2023
Armed Forces Week is a chance to celebrate our Armed Forces, the Military personnel and the role they play protecting the UK both at home and overseas. Two key days, within Armed Forces Week, that remain unchanged every year are Reserves Day on the Wednesday and Armed Forces Day on the Saturday.
The Armed Forces community includes Regular, Reserves, veterans, spouses and both cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from our four cadet services – Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, RAF Air Cadets and the Combined Cadet Forces.
West Midland RFCA
We will be sharing a variety of stories across our social media channels throughout the week. The stories will include a range of people from across the Armed Forces community.
How can I get involved with Armed Forces Week?
Lots of Armed Forces Week events will be face to face again this year and there are lots of different ways you can show your support.
You can take part digitally by joining the #SaluteOurForces initiative. Simply submit photos or videos of yourself, family, friends or colleagues saluting with the above hashtag to show your support for the Armed Forces community and their hard work. You can find more details about how to take part in this and submit your images here. Please remember to tag us in your photos too, we'd love to see how you are celebrating our forces family - tag us @WMRFCA on Twitter and Facebook, @West_Midland_RFCA on Instagram or @West-Midland-RFCA on LinkedIn.
There are many events happening throughout the country and a list of events can be found on the Armed Forces Day website.
You could also learn more about the Armed Forces and wider community. Why not read, watch or listen to resources which showcase our Armed Forces and highlight the work that they do? There’s some great information on the individual Armed Forces service websites and social media platforms, and also on the Ministry of Defence's government web page.
Additionally, if you personally know someone in the Armed Forces perhaps you could send them a message or give them a call to thank them for their work and for helping to keep the UK safe.
There are lots of Armed Forces Day resources on the official toolkit.
Reserves Day – Wednesday 21st June 2023
Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the regular military.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and are key to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. However, the contribution they make to our Armed Forces often goes unrecognised. Reserves Day was created to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution Reservists make to our Armed Forces.
Employers are being asked to thank our Reservists across the UK for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving our country. Whether you are a large organisation, small business, charity or self-employed, show your support on 22nd June by holding a workplace talk, organising an event or just publicly showing your support to celebrate Reserves Day. Look at the toolkits for more suggestions.
Armed Forces Day – Saturday 24th June 2023
Armed Forces Week celebrations begin on Monday 19th June when the Armed Forces Day flag is traditionally raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.
The National Event in 2023 will be held in Falmouth.
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, including serving troops to service families, Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and cadets.